THOMPSON CRIMPS SCHOOL BUILDING PLAN

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

The Chicago Board of Education`s plans to build new schools to relieve overcrowding in predominantly Hispanic areas have been dealt a severe blow by Gov. James Thompson`s recent veto of $23.7 million in state funds for school construction, School Supt. Manford Byrd Jr. said Wednesday. ''This is money the school system desperately needs to improve its facilities,'' he said. The board has approved a $114 million, three-year school construction and rehabilitation program. Nine new schools are planned, primarily to alleviate crowded conditions in Hispanic elementary schools. School officials want to finance the new buildings and renovations from state funds and from a bond issue sold by the Chicago School Finance Authority.